Cleaning up a series of graves and memorials in Dunedin's Northern Cemetery has been a labour of love for a committed team.
Led by local military historian Peter Trevathan, the group of keen Bunnings staff has been hard at work in recent weeks cleaning, weeding, painting and generally sprucing up five Boer War graves and memorials.
The graves will form an important part of a new Southern Heritage Trust cemetery trail, The Boer War Memorials Tour.
The tour, which remembers the military service of the 462 Otago-Southland men who travelled to South Africa in 1900 with the fourth contingent. Many did not return.
Mr Trevathan has researched the history of eight Boer War graves for the new trail, including contacting relatives.
"What we have learned is included in the trail brochure, which will mean people can walk around the cemetery and read about the men as they go,'' Mr Trevathan said.
The project was made possible with the support of Bunnings, which had made it a community project and funded about $5000 in materials and staff time, he said.
Mr Trevathan also thanked Ann Barsby and researcher Richard Hercus, both of the Southern Heritage Trust, for their support.
The rich history of Dunedin's Northern Cemetery is gradually being unearthed through a growing series of themed trails, including World War 1 and World War 2 graves.
The Boer War Memorials Tour was launched with a public ceremony on Saturday.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
